С тех пор как первобытные раз, люди, принадлежащие к различным культурам получили пирсинг по разным причинам. The motivation behind getting a piercing has been different for different individuals. While some get their body parts pierced to conform to the cultural norms, others do it to rebel against it. There are still others who get a piercing solely for the purpose of self adornment or as a way to express themselves. To trace the time-line of this ancient practice, we need to begin from the earliest mention of body piercing found in the historical records.

In the ancient cultures

Archaeologists have already discovered mummified remains of a human dating back to more than 5000 years ago, which has body piercing. Historians have also confirmed that the practice of body piercing was prevalent in the Egyptian culture. According to the cultural evidence unearthed till date, it is believed that early Egyptians got body piercing to reflect their social standing as well as for self adornment. Almost every Egyptian man and woman belonging to well to do families wore larger-gauge plugs in their ears. These were usually made of gold and had floral motifs on them. Однако, navel piercing was reserved solely for the Pharaoh and other royal family members.

Even the Old Testament mentions body piercing jewelry that was considered to be a symbol of wealth and beauty by various tribes belonging to the biblical times. The Bedouin and nomadic tribes laid special emphasis on body jewelry that was also given as bridal gifts to newly wed couples. While piercing served the purpose of self adornment in most cultures, it was done for more practical reasons in the Roman Empire. For instance, Roman centurions got their nipple pierced to signify not only strength and virility but their unification with the rest of the countrymen.

Researchers have also found body piercing records pertaining to the ancient civilizations of Aztecs and Mayans. It has been found that Aztecs got their tongue pierced as a part of a spiritual ritual that was believed to bring them closer to their Gods. Being a warrior tribe, the men belonging to this tribe also got septum piercing and wore a huge boar tusk through their nose. This was done for the purpose of intimidating rival tribe members.

History of Nose Piercing

Nose piercing is the most ancient form of facial piercing that originated in the Middle East nearly 4,000 years ago and spread to the Indian subcontinent in the 16th century due to the Mughal reign. This form of piercing was done by women who believed that a jeweled nose ring or stud worn in the piercing enhanced their beauty. Однако, according to the ancient medical science of Ayurveda nose piercing had a more practical purpose.The practitioners of Ayurveda believed that that left part of a woman’s nose is related to their reproductive system and wearing a nose ring or stud would alleviate the pain caused due to menstrual cramps and childbirth. Since the more affluent women wore a heavy nose ring that posed the risk of cutting through the piercing, these rings were latched on to an ornamental chain that was attached to the hair to support the weight of the ring.

History of Ear Lobe Piercing

Anthropologists across the world believe that ear lobe piercing was almost certainly the first attempt of man to do a body piercing. It is believed this form of piercing was done by primitive tribes for magical reasons as they believed that demonic spirits could take possession of a human body by entering it through the ears.

Однако, wearing a metal ornament in the ear piercing was supposed to drive away evil spirits. Christian sailors wore earrings made of expensive metals so that if they died at sea while fighting and their body washed ashore, their earring could be used to pay for their proper burial. Ear lobe piercing is popular among both men and women.

History of Tongue Piercing

As already mentioned, Aztecs and other Central American tribes got this piercing for spiritual reasons. Off late, this form of body piercing has become a rage among teenagers who feel that sporting a tongue bar intensifies sexual gratification.

History of Lip Piercing

Getting a lip piercing, also known as labret piercing was common in the ancient American tribes including Aztecs who wore serpent shaped labrets that were made of gold. A number of African tribes require their female members to wear lip plates or lip rings that are supposed to enhance their beauty.

History of Navel Piercing

Navel or belly button piercing is easily the latest form of body piercing that has become a fad among both men and women across the globe. It looks quite stunning on washboard abs